Artwork Page for Mars

Details / Information for Mars

Mars

c. 1584–87

Giambologna

(Flemish, active Italy, 1529–1608)
Culture
Italy, 16th century
Medium
bronze
Measurements
Overall: 39 x 18.4 cm (15 3/8 x 7 1/4 in.); with base: 41.6 x 18.5 x 21.4 cm (16 3/8 x 7 5/16 x 8 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1964.421
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
117A Italian Renaissance
Print
?

Did You Know?

The active, twisting pose indicates that the statue was designed to be viewed in the round.

Description

Although he is lacking the helmet and armor common to Mars in Roman iconography, this figure is identified as the ancient god of war. Mars pauses mid-stride, swinging his sword arm back to strike an enemy in his gaze; this dynamic composition is typical of Giambologna’s models. Collectors prized small bronzes such as this and often kept them in special rooms along with antiquities, coins, shells, and other curiosities. Easy to hold and arrange due to their small size, they were appreciated through touch as well as sight.

Mars

c. 1584–87

Giambologna

(Flemish, active Italy, 1529–1608)
Italy, 16th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

    Contact Us

    The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

    To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

    All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.